Defense Base Act

Updated

Jul 23, 2018

The Defense Base Act provides workers’ compensation protection to
civilian employees working outside the United States on military bases,
under a contract with the U.S. government for public works, or for
national defense. The Act subjects overseas military and public works
contractors to the same workers’ compensation rules, insurance
requirements, and schedule of benefits as the Longshore and Harbor
Workers’ Compensation Act.

If you are a civilian working overseas and have sustained an
injury while on the job, you may be entitled to compensation under the
Defense Base Act. To have your case reviewed by one of our
Defense Base Act lawyers, please fill out this no charge, no obligation
case review form today.

Defense Base Act Eligibility

Federal law mandates that U.S. government contractors provide workers’
compensation insurance for employees who are injured or killed overseas.
By law, the following employees should be covered by the DBA:

employees who work on U.S. military, air or naval bases outside of the
United States, including bases located in U.S. territories;

employees who work on public works projects outside of the United
States under contract to any federal agency;

employees who work outside of the United States on projects funded by
the federal government under the provisions of the Mutual Security Act
of 1954 that provide for the sale of military equipment or services to
American allies; or

employees who work for American firms providing morale, welfare, or
similar services to the armed forces outside of the United States

Choosing a Doctor Under the Defense Base Act

Employees who were injured while working overseas for the U.S.
government are entitled to a number of benefits under the Defense Base
Act, regardless of fault. An injured worker has the right to seek
medical treatment from a doctor of their choice. Although the worker has
free range in selecting their physician, they must obtain authorization
from the employer or insurance company if they wish to change doctors.

Additionally, the employer holds the right to send the injured employee
to a doctor of their choice to confirm the need for treatment and
continuation of benefits. If the injured worker fails to show up at such
an appointment, their benefits may be forfeited. In addition to medical
treatment, the injured worker is entitled to compensation for medical
supplies and travel costs to and from medical appointments.

Defense Base Act Benefits

If a worker cannot return to their job for a period of time following
their injury, they may be eligible for disability benefits. Workers are
considered “disabled” if they cannot earn the same wages as they did
prior to the injury. Disabled workers are typically paid two-thirds of
their average weekly wage, subject to a maximum amount. (The maximum
limit is adjusted every Oct. 1.)

Employees receiving temporary total disability will be paid two-thirds
of their average weekly income (subject to a maximum amount) until the
worker can return to work and no longer needs medical treatment. If the
injured worker reaches their maximum compensation and cannot return to
gainful employment, they will receive permanent total disability
benefits, with the cost of living adjusted every Oct. 1.

If a worker is killed on the job, either from an injury or occupational
disease, death benefits are paid to the surviving spouse and other
eligible relatives. The remaining spouse will receive half of the
decedent’s average weekly wage for life or until remarriage. If the
deceased worker has children, each minor child will receive 16 and 2/3 percent
of the average weekly wage. Survivors can also receive up to $3,000 in
funeral expenses.

How Can a Lawyer Help With PTSD and the Defense Base Act Claims?

Workers who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of their
employment or deployment may also be entitled to compensation under the
Defense Base Act. Claims for coverage under the DBA are presumed
compensable unless they are rebutted by substantial evidence by the
employer.

PTSD claims are covered under the DBA; however, it can be difficult to
prove the relationship between the injury and the employment. Unlike
traditional physical injury claims, post-employment claims for PTSD are
more difficult to investigate and file successfully because:

Initial medical reports do not always contain the relevant
information;

PTSD manifests post-employment;

Insurance companies are hesitant to provide benefits until a causal
link is made; and

A claimant must prove that the PTSD is disabling and will prevent them
from returning to their DBA work.

Our Defense Base Act lawyers may be able to help by interviewing doctors
and psychiatrists, gathering evidence to prove a causal connection
between the employment and the PTSD, and reviewing any documents that
may help substantiate a potential PTSD claim.

Claims for PTSD compensation must be filed within two years after the
employee becomes aware of the correlation between the injury and their
employment. If they have already been compensated for other injuries, a
claimant has one year from the date of last payment of compensation to
file a claim for PTSD.

Employer Penalties

All government contracts contain a clause requiring bidding contractors
to obtain necessary insurance. If an employer fails to carry Defense
Base Act insurance they may face fines, loss of contract(s), or criminal
prosecution or civil suits.

If you believe you have a claim, have been denied benefits, or have not
received your full benefits, speak with a Defense Base Act lawyer
immediately. There is a time limit to dispute the actions of your
employer, so it is important to act quickly. To have our lawyer review
your claim, please fill out our no cost, no obligation case review
form.

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